--- description: When Pope Francis speaks to Congress, he'll likely provide moral—and scientific—instruction title: Pope Francis the Chemist Should Give Congress a Science Lesson image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blte7b9c756a74d6c54/698852e4a988cafafe6b2dac/pope-francis.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [Ideas](/section/ideas/) ## Ideas Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # Pope Francis the Chemist Should Give Congress a Science Lesson ## Video: 2013 Person of the Year: Pope Francis Reimagines the Papacy [Watch (HLS stream): 2013 Person of the Year: Pope Francis Reimagines the Papacy](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/aYRnrfUV.m3u8) (3:30)  _Published 2013-12-11. From his comments on gays to his penchant for Twitter, Pope Francis's every move has garnered strong reactions from the world media._ by [Richard Christian](/author/richard-christian/) ## Richard Christian Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Updated: Dec 13, 2023 7:40 AM CUTPublished: Jun 4, 2015 2:50 PM CUT  Pope Francis attends his weekly audience in St. Peter's square on June 3, 2015 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis attends his weekly audience in St. Peter's square on June 3, 2015 in Vatican City, Vatican.Franco Origlia—Getty Images by [Richard Christian](/author/richard-christian/) ## Richard Christian Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Updated: Dec 13, 2023 7:40 AM CUTPublished: Jun 4, 2015 2:50 PM CUT Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum has [called on](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/02/rick-santorum-pope-climat%5Fn%5F7498768.html "undefined") Pope Francis to “leave science to the scientists” in an effort to avoid supporting the pope’s message on protecting the environment and fighting climate change. With the pope’s upcoming encyclical, or letter, on the subject set to be released in the next two weeks, it’s unlikely that this will be the last time we hear a prominent Republican use this line. One big problem: Pope Francis is no scientific illiterate. He has a [certification](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/02/rick-santorum-pope-climat%5Fn%5F7498768.html "undefined") as a chemical technician and worked as a chemist. Perhaps when the pope addresses a joint meeting of Congress later this year, he will not just provide some moral instruction, but also clear up a few scientific matters, too. Pope Francis defies the liberal-conservative divide that shapes Congress, and given his straightforward, pull-no-punches approach, he will likely challenge both Democrats and Republicans to reject the “[throwaway culture](http://time.com/3727280/pope-francis-inequality-throwaway-culture/ "undefined")” that he has repeatedly denounced during his papacy. In particular, the pope is likely to challenge Republicans to accept the reality of climate change and to support measures that would protect the environment. Meanwhile, he’s likely to challenge Democrats on abortion, as he treats the issue as integral to social justice and the defense of human rights. ### The Most Surprising Photos of Pope Francis  The wind lifts Pope Francis' mantle as he delivers his speech in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. Tony Gentile—AP  Pope Francis looks at the Statue of Liberty from the window of a helicopter on his way to the John F. Kennedy International Airport, in New York City, on Sept. 26, 2015. L'Osservatore Romano/AP  A Pope Francis mannequin rides around in a car in Times Square as New York City waits for the arrival of the Pope to the city, on Sept. 24, 2015. Timothy A. Clary—AFP/Getty Images  Kaydn Dorsey, 4, and Lionel Perkins, 4, draw on a coloring sheet bearing the image of Pope Francis as they wait for him to arrive on a visit to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015. David Goldman—Reuters  Nuns with the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy in Pleasantville, N.J., pose for a selfie with a cutout of Pope Francis, at the World Meeting of Families conference, in Philadelphia, on Sept. 22, 2015. Matt Rourke—AP  Pope Francis blows out the candles of a birthday cake to celebrate his 78th birthday during a general audience at the Vatican on Dec. 17, 2014. Osservatore Romano/AFP/Getty Images  Paying the bill at Rome's Domus Internationalis Paulus VI hotel, where Pope Francis stayed as a cardinal before entering the conclave and being elected pope. Osservatore Romano/AP  Welcoming Pope emeritus Benedict XVI as he returns to the Vatican from the pontifical summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. Osservatore Romano/AP  Holding a disabled child after celebrating Easter Mass. Alessandro di Meo—ANSA/Zuma Press  Pope Francis masks in a factory in Brazil, where the Pontiff took his first overseas trip. Christophe Simon—AFP/Getty Images  Leading the Worldwide Eucharistic adoration at the Vatican. Alessandra Benedetti—Corbis  A gust of wind blows the pope's mantle. Alessandra Tarantino—AP  Attending the opening of the Pastoral Convention of the Diocese of Rome. Stefano Rellandini—Reuters  Leaving a welcoming ceremony at Guanabara Palace in Rio de Janeiro. Ricardo Moraes—Reuters  Greeting the weekly General Audience. Stefano Rellandini—Reuters  Pointing to the statue of Our Lady of Aparecida from the balcony of the Aparecida basilica in Brazil. Domenico Stinellis—AP  A Catholic faithful in Brazil bears a sticker of Pope Francis on his forehead. Ueslei Marcelino—Reuters  Images of Pope Francis projected onto screens at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. Paulo Whitaker— Reuters  Departing Rio de Janeiro. Ricardo Moraes—Reuters  A stray dog walks across the stage near the altar where Pope Francis celebrates the World Youth Day's closing Mass on the Copacabana beachfront. Victor R. Caivano—AP  Listening to confessions of young people in a park in Rio de Janeiro. L'Osservatore Romano—EPA  Posing with youths in Saint Peter's Basilica. L'Osservatore Romano—EPA  Greeting the faithful on a rainy day during the General Audience. Fabio Frustaci—Eidon Press/Zuma Press  Arriving to lead his General Audience in a firefighter's helmet. Stefano Rellandini—Reuters  A quiet moment after meeting with Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the Vatican. Max Rossi—Reuters  Marking the 110th anniversary UNITALSI, a Catholic organization dedicated to helping the sick. Francesco Zizola—NOOR for TIME  A private Audience with Russian President Vladimir Putin. L'Osservatore Romano/AP  Keeping warm during a General Audience. Alessandra Tarantino—AP  Comforting a disfigured man at the end of his General Audience. Claudio Peri—EPA  Blessing a sick man with deformed facial features. Evandro Inetti—Zuma Press  Visiting the parish of the Sant'Alfonso Maria de Liguori during the Epiphany day. L'Osservatore Romano—AFP/Getty Images  Reacting to devotees at a weekly General Audience. Alessandro Bianchi—Reuters  A seagull attacks a dove released during a prayer conducted by Pope Francis. Alessandro Bianchi—Reuters  A scarf is tossed at Pope Francis by a faithful. Tony Gentile—Reuters  Italian artist Mauro Pallotta's superhero rendering of Pope Francis in a street near St. Peter's Basilica. Alessandra Benedetti—Corbis  Blowing a kiss to pilgrims gathered at Saint Peter's Square. Vincenzo Pinto—AFP/Getty Images  Meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama in the private library of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. Vatican Pool/Contrasto/Redux  With Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at the Vatican. Alessandra Benedetti—Vatican Pool/Corbis  A wind gust lifts Pope Francis's mantle as he arrives at the traditional Washing of the Feet during Holy Thursday. Alberto Pizzoli—AFP/Getty Images  Kissing a man's at the traditional Washing of the Feet. Alberto Pizzoli—AFP/Getty Images  Visitors take photos of Pope Francis as he speaks from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Michael Sohn—AP The pope’s upcoming encyclical will likely highlight the impact of climate change on the poor, something that increases the imperative to act urgently, given the Catholic Church’s “preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.” The overall framework is likely to call for an end to the “economy of exclusion” and “globalization of indifference” that has fostered irresponsible environmental policies. Francis will also likely challenge the West’s [consumerism](http://www.cruxnow.com/life/2015/06/02/why-are-catholics-so-critical-of-consumerism/ "undefined") and disregard for future generations, while calling for sustainable integral human development that reflects the responsibility to care for God’s creation. While many Democrats would cheer this message, many Republicans would likely squirm in their seats. Santorum is not the only one nervous about the upcoming encyclical. Conservative and libertarian Christians have already begun to push back, attempting to [undermine](http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2015/01/four-things-to-remember-about-the-popes-environment-letter "undefined") the authority of the pope on this issue. Republicans, including practicing Catholics like John Boehner, have been [quick](http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/10/03/3575849/not-a-scientist/ "undefined") to denounce proposals to combat climate change as job killers that threaten the economy. When asked about the strong scientific consensus on climate change, they plead ignorance, arguing they are not qualified to assess the evidence because they are not scientists, and now they are trying to include Pope Francis in their supposed circle of ignorance. While Pope Benedict was labeled “the Green Pope” for his strong stance on environmental protection, he did not face this type of backlash. The difference has been the rising tension between a pope who frequently and relentlessly denounces under-regulated capitalism and a Catholic Right in the United States that is enamored by free-market fundamentalism. But we may also see Francis ask members of Congress to accept scientific consensus on another issue, and this time, it would be Democrats, not Republicans, squirming in their seats. When [asked](http://blogs.reuters.com/talesfromthetrail/2008/08/16/obama-says-pointed-abortion-query-above-his-pay-grade/ "undefined") about when a child “gets human rights,” President Barack Obama, as a candidate in 2008, said that from both a theological and scientific perspective, this question was above his pay grade. This dodge may have reflected his desire to avoid a philosophical debate in which a distinction is drawn between a child’s personhood and his or her humanity. Yet Pope Francis has said, “Science has taught us that from the moment of conception, the new being has its entire genetic code. It’s impressive. Therefore, it’s not a religious issue but, rather, a clear moral issue with a scientific basis, because we are in the presence of a human being.” Pope Francis may very well reiterate [his point](http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1400104.htm "undefined") that “it is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life.” He will likely connect opposition to abortion to support for pregnant women and families, along with other issues that threaten the vulnerable, such as poverty and human trafficking, as he has in the past. Ultimately, his consistent [“whole life”](http://millennialjournal.com/2014/10/02/nothing-new-about-pope-francis-whole-life-approach/ "undefined") approach to human rights and social justice will likely inspire and challenge every member of Congress. Francis will likely put forward a similar standard to former Senator Hubert Humphrey’s: “It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.” That is enough to make every American, not just every member of Congress, squirm. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"OpinionNewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/3907567/pope-francis-rick-santorum-science/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/3907567/pope-francis-rick-santorum-science/"},"headline":"Pope Francis the Chemist Should Give Congress a Science Lesson","datePublished":"2015-06-04T14:50:06.000Z","dateModified":"2023-12-13T07:40:07.000Z","description":"When Pope Francis speaks to Congress, he'll likely provide moral—and scientific—instruction","url":"https://time.com/3907567/pope-francis-rick-santorum-science/","keywords":["Religion"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blte7b9c756a74d6c54/698852e4a988cafafe6b2dac/pope-francis.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Richard Christian","jobTitle":"","url":"https://time.com/author/richard-christian/"}],"articleSection":"Ideas","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blte7b9c756a74d6c54/698852e4a988cafafe6b2dac/pope-francis.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"Pope Francis attends his weekly audience in St. Peter's square on June 3, 2015 in Vatican City, Vatican.","caption":"Pope Francis attends his weekly audience in St. Peter's square on June 3, 2015 in Vatican City, Vatican.","creditText":"Franco Origlia—Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/ideas/","name":"Ideas"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/3907567/pope-francis-rick-santorum-science/","name":"Pope Francis the Chemist Should Give Congress a Science Lesson"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"2013 Person of the Year: Pope Francis Reimagines the Papacy","description":"From his comments on gays to his penchant for Twitter, Pope Francis's every move has garnered strong reactions from the world media.","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/aYRnrfUV/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2013-12-11T12:42:10.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/aYRnrfUV.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/3907567/pope-francis-rick-santorum-science/","duration":"PT3M30S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/3907567/pope-francis-rick-santorum-science/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```